Chair makeover ideas

The other day I was in a discount fabric shop here in town and saw that they were selling vintage chairs that they had gathered from garage or estate sales.  The one in the photo was for sale and cost $95--and they would discount it even more if you bought your fabric from them.  I think recycling old chairs is such a great idea--not only is it earth-friendly, but in my opinion old things have a lot of character.  This vintage wing backed chair would look awesome recovered in a modern fabric.  The two fabric ideas I have posted are from my fellow blogger, Shannon Darby's, The Designer's Attic.  She is a designer that sells fabric remnants she has found for super discounted prices.  Check out what she has to offer at thedesignersattic.blogspot.com.  The last two pictures of a club chair makeover I found on Design Sponge.   Never underestimate the power of fabric!

Meal share recipe: Chicken Tortilla Soup

I can't tell you how much I am enjoying my meal exchange lately.  It is really such a treat to have a meal brought to you once a week and so easy just to double your recipe on another night.  Here is my recipe for the week: Chicken Tortilla Soup.
2 t olive oil, 1 medium chopped onion, 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 jalapeno pepper chopped and seeds removed if you don't want too much spice, 1/2 medium green pepper chopped, 3-4 small chicken breasts, 1 can of corn, 1/2 cup white wine, 2 teaspoons cumin, 1 teaspoon chili powder, 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper, 4 14 oz cans of chicken broth, 2 14 oz cans of diced tomatoes, 2 8 oz. cans of tomato sauce, 1 can of black beans rinsed and drained.
Saute onion, garlic, jalapeno, and green pepper in large pot until soft.  Add rest of ingredients and bring to a boil.  After 15 minutes, remove chicken breasts and shred.  Return shredded chicken to pot and simmer and additional 45 minutes.  Serve topped w/ cheese, tortilla chips, sour cream, and juice of lime.

New design project

I am so excited about a new bedroom makeover project I am working on.  The client gave me this colorful piece of fabric to work from.  She wanted to make some pillows for her bed out of it.   I am thinking of a pretty off-white color for the walls, a light green on the ceiling, throw in some chocolate brown for the pillow trim and to reupholster a chair, and maybe these pretty green curtains from Pottery Barn.

Organized play area

I love this photo of an organized play area that blogger Jordan Ferney has incorporated into the main living area of her home.  The key to this organized area is that everything has a place and everything is accessible to the little ones.  The clear bins make it easy to locate things.  I think an kid's art/work area is an essential part to any home.  Of course I love the collected vintage globes on the top shelf!

I need a cupcake carrier!!

Today my oldest turned 6.  Wow, does time fly!  I am taking cupcakes for his class and am mad at myself that I haven't yet bought a cupcake carrier.  It is raining today and the pretty tray I had planned to use will be of no help, so I've had to pack four separate tupperware containers.  I think every mom of school aged kids should have one of these!   The one in the picture above is from Crate and Barrel, but by googling "cupcake carrier," you find that you can purchase one almost anywhere.

New lamps, bargain price!

I have always said that I am no good at shopping at department stores.  They overwhelm me.  However, I recently decided to give TJMaxx a once over and look what I found--these gorgeous turquoise lamps.  For how much?  $40 bucks a piece, that's it.  What a bargain.  I use this color as an accent around my house and I love it.

My three-year-old's room

I've been in the process of redoing my three-year-old's room.  I love the Serena and Lily bedding and have combined it with red accents because red just reminds me of him.  I left the walls Concord Ivory because it is very bright and happy.  I have contemplated changing the wall color though to perhaps a blue-gray color.  Yesterday I hung some pictures I have collected for him.  I have had the Babar print since I did my first child's nursery and I just can't seem to get rid of it yet--plus, I love the red.  The two nautical prints I got at a local antique shop, and the painting of Noah's Ark is by him.  I like it so far, but am not totally satisfied.  It is a work in progress for sure!